Tips for Collecting and Transporting Scrap Metal

People collect scrap metal for many good reasons. Not only is it fun and exciting, it is highly profitable! But in order to get the most from your scrap metal experience, you must learn how to be both efficient and effective at the same time. This is because scrap metal can be dangerous to handle, and even more hazardous to transport. And aside from safety, it can be quite frustrating figuring out how to get your findings where you need them to go, quickly and conveniently. So if this pastime interests you, continue reading to learn some important tips for collecting and transporting scrap metal.

Avoid Injuries and Accidents

Although there is a long list of advantages to scrap metal collecting, there are several possible injuries and accidents that can occur if necessary precautions aren’t taken. Not only can improperly secured cargo cause a wide range of traffic accidents and property damage, incorrect handling of junk metal can cause injuries to the epidermis, back, neck, spine, and more. In fact, back pain is among the most common long-term injuries among adult men and women in the workforce. This is a possible result of genetics, improper lifting, repetitive motions, and more.

Tips for Lifting Heavy Scrap Metal

Always lift and bend with your knees to take strain off of your back muscles. This will reduce the likelihood of orthopedic injuries and pain.

Share the load with another person so that you are only lifting half the weight of the object. If you don’t have another person around, use a dolly to help lift and transport heavy objects.

Do not attempt to lift anything that is more than half your weight without another friend to help or a dolly. This is a sure-way to get injured or just plain stuck.

Don’t go alone. If you find yourself somewhere a bit rural, you want someone else around in case you get hurt or lost. Metal can be sharp, heavy, and you never know where you have to go to find the good stuff.

Tips for Transporting Scrap Metal

Always have oversized loads clearly marked with a red flag or bandana. This will alert other drivers to steer clear. It is wise to have another friend follow directly behind you in their car.

Be sure oversized loads are properly secured and tied down. Always double and triple check a cargo load before hitting the road. You don’t want anything falling off and causing a traffic accident. And in a much less serious scenario, you don’t want to lose any of your inventory.

Use high-quality cargo nets, tarps, and ratchet straps for effective tie downs and transportation. Go to your local automotive store for these products.